Life and Death of Philip Henry, Chapter 11 – Epitaph
CHAP. XI.
A short Account of some of his Friends, especially his Brethren in the Ministry, that dyed before him.
WE think our selves obliged to add this Account out of his own Papers, partly as an Evidence of the great esteem he had of the Gifts and Graces of others, to whom he delighted to do Honour; (an Instance of that Humility, which he was in all respects a great Example of); and partly that we may preserve the remembrance of some in that Country, whose Names ought not to be bury'd in Oblivion. It is part of that Honour which we owe to them that fear the Lord; to mention them with respect when they are dead and gone, that we may contribute something to the fulfilling of the Promise, That the Righteous, and especially they who turn many to Righteousness, shall be had in everlasting remembrance. While their glorified Souls shine as the Stars in the Firmament of our Father, it is fit that their embalmed Memories should in these lower Regions go forth as a Lamp that burneth. The Jewish Rabbins read Prov. 10 7. as a Precept, Let the Memory of the Iust be Blessed. We will take them in the Order wherein we find them in his Diary, according to the time of their Death, premising only this Note of his, occasioned by a particular instance; Such a day I read the Life of old Mr. Bruen of Stapleford, in which I met with some things that shame me, some things that confirm me, and some things tha quicken me. Blessed be God for that Cloud of Wit nesses we are encompassed about with.
Mr. Iohn Machin was buried at Newcastle, Septemb. 8. 1664. a worthy instrument in Gospel Work: Laborious, Faithful, and Successful above his Fellows; taken away in the midst of his Days; the first Candle I have heard of put out by God, among the many hundreds put under a Bushel by Men. [An account of his Holy Exemplary Life was Printed many Years after, drawn up, I think, by Mr. Newcome.]
Mr. Heath, late Minister of Iulians Church in Salop, was buried May 28. 1666. He was of Christ's-Colledge in Cambridge, where he was much valued for his great Learning, especially in the Oriental Tongues, in which he was one of the greatest Masters of his Age. He was employed to Correct the Syriac and Arabick of the Polyglot Bible, which was sent down to him in Sheets for that purpose, for which Bishop Walton gave him a Copy. He read the Liturgy till August 24. 1662. and then was Silenced, because he could not come up to the imposed Terms of Conformity. When the Five Mile Act Commenced, March 25. 1666. he removed to Wellington, and there within a few Weeks Dyed, and was Buried. When he lay upon his Death bed, Mr. Lawrence asked him what Reflections he had upon his Nonconformity; Truly (said he) I would not but have done as I did for a Thousand Worlds. He had great Confidence, that God would provide for his Widow and Children, according to Promise. [The Character Mr. Baxter gives of him is, that he was moderate, sedate, quiet and Religious.]
Much about the same time Mr. York dyed in Salop, a Holy good Man, and well approved in the Ministry, who wasted his own Candle in giving Light to others, even after he was removed out of the Candlestick. Lord, Is this the meaning of Rev. 11. 12 concerning the Witnesses.
Mr. Thomas Porter, late Minister of Whitchurch, dyed at Salop in a good old Age, Iune 19. 1667. he was born in Northamptonshire, bred in Cambridge; he was settled Minister of Hanmer in Flintshire, long before the Wars, by the means of Sir Iohn Hanmer, the Patron, who was a very worthy, pious Gentleman, and a great promoter of Religion in that Parish (but dyed in the midst of his days.) Here Mr. Porter's Ministry was blessed with wonderful acceptance and success, both in that and the Neighbouring Parishes; and a great Harvest of Souls was there gathered in to Christ. After the Wars were over (during the Heat of which he was forced to withdraw) he procured Mr. Steel for Hanmer, and he removed to Whitchurch, where he continued an Instrument of much good, till the King came in, and then he gave way to Dr. Bernard, a worthy moderate Man. He preached his Farewel-Sermon at Whitchurch, August 28. 1660. on Col. 1. 24. and spent the rest of his Days in Silence and Affliction. He was exercis'd long with pain upon his Bed, and the multitude of his Bones with strong pain: If this be done to the green Tree, what shall be done to the dry? His dying Counsel to the Lord's People, was to stick to Christ, and not to let him go, come Life come Death.
The worthy Colonel Thomas Hunt dyed at his House in Shrewsbury, April 12. 1669. a true Nathaniel, an Israelite indeed, in whom was no Guile: One that like Caleb, followed the Lord fully in difficult trying times; he was a Member of the long Parliament for Shrewsbury, and very active for God in his Generation, abounding in good Works, and his Memory is blessed. I was going to Shrewsbury upon an appointment of his, and by the way met the sad news of his Death, which was sudden, but not surprizing, to one that was always ready. He was twice at publick Ordinances the day before, being Lord's day, worshipped God with his Family in the Evening, went to bed well as at other times; but about two or three a Clock in the Morning wak'd very ill, and before five fell asleep in the Lord. Help, Lord, for the Godly Man ceaseth.
Mr. George Mainwaring, a Faithful Minister of Jesus Christ, and my worthy Friend, dyed in a good old Age, March 14. 1669/70. gathered as a shock of Corn in his Season. He was born in Wrenbury Parish in Cheshire, supported at the University by Mr. Cotton of Cumbermere, where he had the Reputation of a good Scholar; he was brought acquainted with the ways of Religion, by means of Mr. Buckly his Uncle, a strict Puritan. He was first Chaplain to Sir Henry Delves, afterwards Rector of Baddely, and Chaplain to Sir Thomas Mainwaring. After the Wars he was removed to Malpas, whence he was ejected upon the King's coming in. His Conversation was exemplary, especially for plainness and integrity; he was eminent for expounding Scripture. While he was at Malpas, he constantly gave all the Milk which his Dairy yield ed on the Lord's day to the Poor.
Mr. Iohn Adams of Northwood, was buried at Ellesmere, April 4. 1670. he was a faithful Minister of the Gospel.
Mr. Zechariah Thomas, my worthy Friend, dyed of a Consumption at Nantwich, September 14. 1670. in the forty first Year of his Age. He was bred up for a Tradesman in Suffolk, but always addicted to his Book, and was ordained a Minister after the King came in, and entertained Curate at Tilstock, under Dr. Bernard, but by reason of his Nonconformity could not continue there long. On the Monday before he Dyed, he said to those about him, that towards Wednesday he should take his leave of them, and did so. He was Buried at Acton, Mr. Kirkes Vicar of Acton, Preached, and gave him a worthy Character (and such as he deserved) for Uprightness, Humility, Moderation, Prayer, Faithfulness in reproving, Patience under Affliction; and in saying he was an Israelite indeed without Guile, he said all. The Lord make me a Follower of him, and of all the rest, who through Faith and Patience inherit the Promises.
Mr. Ioshuah Richardson, my truly worthy Friend and Brother, dyed at Alkinton in Whitchurch Parish, September 1. 1671. Blessed be God for his Holy Life and Happy Death. He was several Years Minister of Middle in Shropshire, and was turned out thence for Nonconformity. He was a holy, loving, serious Man. Dr. Fowler Preached his Funeral Sermon at Whitchurch, on Dan. 12. 3. highly praising him (as he deserv'd) for Wisdom, Piety and Peaceableness.
Mr. Samuel Hildersham dyed near Bromicham in April 1674. the only Son of Mr. Arthur Hildersham of Ashby (whose works praise him in the Gates) Fellow of Emanuel Colledge in Cambridge, Batchelor of Divinity, 1623. settled Rector of West-Felton in Shropshire, in the Year 1628. and continued there till Silenced by the Act of Uniformity. He was one of the Assembly of Divines; a Father to the Sons of the Prophets in and about Shropshire. He was learned, loving, and charitable, an excellent Preacher, an eminent Expositor, and very much a Gentleman; he was about Fourscore Years of Age when he Dyed. He ordered by his Will this Inscription upon his Gravestone: Samuel Hildersham, B. D. Rector of West-Felton, in the County of Salop, 34 Years till August 24. 1662.
Mr. Richard Sadler, my worthy Friend and Fellow Labourer, dyed at Whixal in Prees Parish, April—1675. He was born in Worcester; went, when young, with his Father into New-England; after the Wars he returned into England; was Ordained at Whixal Chappel, May 16. 1648. and was removed thence to Ludlow. Being turned out there upon the King's coming in, he spent the rest of his Days in Privacy at Wrexal: A Man of great Piety and Moderation.
Mr. Rowland Nevet dyed at his House near Oswestry, December 8. 1675. and was buried at Morton Chappel. I Preached his Funeral Sermon at Swinny, on 2 Pet. 1. 14. Knowing that I must shortly put off this my Tabernacle: Thence shewing that the Ministers of Christ must certainly and shortly dye. He was born in Hodnet Parish, Anno Dom. 1609. brought up at Shrewsbury School, was afterwards of Edmund-Hall in Oxford, Commenced Master of Arts, in the Year 1634. he was Episcopally Ordained; and Anno 1635. He was presented to the Vicaridge of Stanton in Shropshire, where he continued many Years, with great Success in his Ministry. While he was single, he kept House, judging that more for the furtherance of his Work among his People, than to Table. After the War he removed to Oswestry, where he laboured abundantly in the work of the Lord; and even after he was silenced for Nonconformity, he continued among his People there to his dying Day, doing what he could, when he might not do what he would. He would say, he thought most of his Converting Work was done at Oswestry, the first Seven Years of his being there. He loved to Preach, and to hear others Preach concerning the great things of Religion, Redemption, Reconciliation, Regeneration, &c. for these (said he) are the main matter. When the Plague was at Oswestry, he continued with his People, and preached to them, and it was an opportunity of doing much good.
His Conversation from his Youth was not only blameless, but Holy and Pious; he was exemplary for Family Religion, and great care and industry in the Education of his Children. He was looked upon as Congregational in Judgment and Practise, and was not satisfied to join in the Common Prayer; but he was free to Communicate with those that did. It was his Judgment, that Ministers should be Ordained by Ministers; and that a Minister is not only a Minister of the particular Congregation in which he labours. He greatly bewailed the Divisions of the Church, and the intemperate Heats of some of all Perswasions. He was exceeding kind and loving to his Friends, very frequent in pious Ejaculations to God. Being often distemper'd in Body he would say, he was never better than in the Pulpit, and that it was the best place he could wish to dye in. He often blessed God for a fit of Sickness which he had, which he said, he would not have been without for a World, the Foundation of his Comfort, and Hope of Heaven being laid then. When he was sometimes much spent with his Labours, he would appeal to God, that though he might be wearied in his Service, he would never be weary of it. His dying Prayer for his Children (after many sweet Exhortations) was, That the Mediator's Blessing might be the Portion of every one of them: adding, I charge you all, see to it, that you meet me on the right Hand of Christ, at the great Day. A little before he Dyed he had this Expression, Go forth (my Soul) go forth to meet thy God; adding by and by, It is now done; Come Lord Iesus, come quickly. One present saying to him, that he was now going to receive his Reward, he replied, It is free Grace. [Mr. Henry was much importun'd to Print his Sermon at Mr. Nevet's Funeral, with some account of his Life and Death, which he was somewhat inclined to do, but was discouraged by the difficulties of the Times, and it was never done. But some Materials he had for it, out of which we have Collected these hints.]
Mr. Robert Fogg, my old dear Friend, was buried at Acton near Nantwich, April 21. 1676. he dyed in a good old Age, about Eighty. He was Minister of Bangor in Flintshire, till after the King came in, and thence forward to his Death, was a poor silent Nonconformist, but of a bold and zealous Spirit, giving good Counsel to those about him. A little before he dyed, he had this weighty saying among others, Assure your selves the Spirit of God will be underling to no Sin.
[Mr. Andrew Parsons, sometimes Minister of Wem, dyed at London, October 1. 1684. He was Born in Devonshire, and was Minister there some Years before the War; being driven thence to London, he became well known to Mr. Pym. who sent him down to Wem, when that Town was Garrison'd for the Parliament; there he continued in the Exercise of his Ministry, till the Year 1660. He was an active, friendly, generous Man, and a moving, affecting Preacher. Mr. Baxter in his Life, Part 3. Page 94. commends him for a moderate Man, and speaks of his being in trouble, for seditious words Sworn against him, which were these: Preaching from 2 Tim. 3. 13. he said, The Devil was like a King that courted the Soul, and spoke fair till he was gotten into the Throne, and then play'd pranks. The Witnesses deposed contrary to the Coherence of his Discourse, that he said the King was like the Devil. He was tryed at Shrewsbury before my Lord Newport, Mr. Serjeant Turner and others, May 28. 1662. It was also charged upon him, that he had said, there was more Sin committed now in England in a Month, than was heretofore in seven Years: And that there had been more and better Preaching in England for Twenty Years past, then was ever since the Apostles days. He had Council assigned him, who pleaded that the time limited by the Stature, in which he was Indited was Expired: The Court yielded it was so, allowing Twenty eight Days to a Month; but they would understand it of Thirty Days to a Month; so he was found Guilty, and Fined Two hundred Pound; and ordered to be Imprisoned till it should be paid.
Mr. Hugh Rogers, a worthy Faithful Minister of Jesus Christ, turn'd out for Nonconformity from Newtown in Montgomery-shire, was buried at Welshpool, March 17. 1679/80. he was look'd upon as Congregational; but his declared Judgment was, That Ministers ought to be Ordained by Ministers, and to give themselves wholly to that Work; and that none but Ministers have Authority to Preach and Govern in a Constituted Church; and that Christ's Ministers are his Ministers in all places; and that where the word of Christ is Preached, and his Sacraments administred, there is a true Church. He was a Man of Excellent Converse, and whose peculiar felicity lay in pleasant and edifying Discourse.
Iuly 2d and 3d, 1680. these two days brought tidings of the Death of Mr. Haines, sometime Minister of Wem in Shropshire, and since at New Chappel in Westminster; and of Mr. Richard Edwards Minister at Oswestry, both worthy Conformists, pious, peaceable and good Men, whom I hope, through Grace to meet shortly in Heaven. The Lord raise up others in their room to be and do better.
Mr. Robert Bosier, my dear Friend and Kinsman, having just compleated the Twenty third Year of his Age dyed, of a Fever, September 13th 1680. at Mr. Doelittle's House in Islington, whither he was gone but a few Weeks before for Improvement in Learning; being formerly a Commoner of Edmund-Hall in Oxford; and since having spent some Years in my Family, and designed himself for the Service of Christ, in the Work of the Ministry. He was a young Man of Pregnant Parts, great Industry, and exemplary Seriousness and Piety; and likely to be an eminent Instrument of good in his day. His Friends and Relations had promised themselves much comfort in him, but we know who performeth the thing that is appointed for us, and giveth not account of any of his Matters.
Mr. Iohn Malden, my dear and worthy Friend, turned out from Newport in Shropshire, for Nonconformity, dyed at Alkington near Whitchurch, May 23d, 1681. a Man of great Learning, an Excellent Hebrician, and of exemplary Piety, and a solid Preacher; as he lived so he dyed, very low in his own Eyes; esteeming himself good for nothing, though really good for every thing, which was manifestly a prejudice, both to his Comfort, and to his Usefulness. He said, he was far from repenting his being a Sufferer against Conformity. The Relicks of so much Learning, Piety, and Humility, I have not seen this great while laid in a Grave: But blessed be God we had such a one so long.
Dr. Ioshua Maddocks, a beloved Physician, our very dear Friend and Kinsman, dyed of a Fever at Whitchurch, in the midst of his Days, Iuly 27th, 1682. a very pious Man, and especially eminent for Meekness; an Excellent Scholar, and particularly learned in the Mathematicks: he lived much desired, and dyed as much lamented.
Mr. Thomas Bridge, who had been Rector of the higher Rectory of Malpas about fifty seven Years, being aged about eighty two Years, was buried at Malpas, Octob. 7. 1682. In his last sickness, which was long, he had appointed Mr. Green, one of the Curates there, to preach his Funeral Sermon on 1 Tim. 1. 16. Howbeit, for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first, Iesus Christ might shew forth all long-suffering: And to say nothing in his Commendation, but to give a large Account of his Repentance upon his Death-bed, &c. He was a taking popular Preacher, preaching oft…n, and almost to the last. When old, he could read the smallest Print without Spectacles.
Mr. William Cook, an aged, painful, faithful Minister of Jesus Christ in Chester, finished his Course with Joy, Iuly 4. 1684. in the midst of the cloudy and dark Day. [See Mr. Baxter's Character of him in his Life, Part 3. Pag. 98.] And an honourable Account given of him by Mr. Samuel Bold, of Steple in Dorsetshire, in a large Preface to his Book of Man's great Duty]. He was eminent for great Industry, both in publick and private Work; great self-denial, mortification, and contempt of the World, and a strict adherence to his Principles in all the Turns of the Times. [He was first Minister at Wroxal in Warwick-shire; there he published two Treatises against the Anabaptists. From thence he was by the Advice of the London Ministers, removed to Ashby in Leicestershire, whence he was turn'd out for refusing the Engagement, and afteward settled in Chester, where he was Minister of Michael Church, 'till he was outed by the Act of Uniformity. He was an active Man for Sir George Booth, when he made that attempt to bring in the King, in 1659. for which he was brought up a Prisoner to London, and continued long in Confinement in Lambeth-house; and had not the Times turned had been tried for his Life. During the Usurpation, his frequent Prayer was; That God would pull down all usurped Power, and restore the Banished to their Right. After he was silenced by the Bartholomew Act, he continued to his Death, in a Pastoral Relation to a Society of many worthy eminent Christians in Chester; though during the heat of the Five-mile Act, he was forced to withdraw to Puddington in Wirral, where (as in Chester, 'till King Charles's Indulgence) he constantly attended on the publick Ministry; and he himself preached in the Intervals. He would say sometimes to his Friends, when he was in that Retirement, that he thought what little peace and quietness there was in this World, God's People enjoyed it in their Corners. Soon after he was silenced, he was committed to the common Goal of Chester for preaching in his own House; by the Mayor, at the Instigation of the then Bishop Hall. He was very indefatigable in his ministerial Labours, in which he never sought the Assistance of any other Minister; though while he had liberty, he constantly kept a publick Fast in his Congregation every Month, as he did also a private Fast in his own Closet and Family every Week. He usually set apart one Afternoon every Week, to visit the Families of his Congregation, and to Catechise their Children and Servants, and discourse with them personally about their Souls; his Visits were short and edifying (and he managed them as one that was a great Husband of his Time) and he seldom or never parted without Prayer. He was not free to joyn in the Common-Prayer, and bore his Testimony against Prelacy and the Ceremonies with something of Zeal; but his great Piety, Integrity, Mortification, and Charity, recommended him to the Respects even of many that differed from him. If any ask'd his Advice to any thing which might draw Suffering upon them, he would be very tender, and desire them not to depend upon his Judgment; but since it was a matter of suffering, to be fully perswaded in their own minds. He was a great Scholar, and a hard Student to the last; and was far from entangling himself in the Affairs of this Life, not knowing ought he had, save the Bread that he did eat. In worldly Matters he was not very conversable, but in Discourse of the things of God none more free and affable, or more ready to do Good. He lived and died a great Example of strict and close Walking with God, and a heavenly Conversation; and his Memory is very precious with many. He died in the Seventy Third Year of his Age. When he lay on his Death-bed, an aged Friend of his asking him if he had not Comfort in reflection upon his Labours in the Work of God, he presently replied, I have nothing to boast of. He was buried in Michael's Church in Chester; and though for some time before he died, such was the heat of the Persecution, that he durst not shew his Face in the City, yet many considerable Persons were very forward to do him Honour at his Death.]
Mr. Ionathan Roberts of Slanvair in Denbighshire, my dear and precious Friend, and a faithful Minister of Christ, died at Mr. Titus Thomas's House in West-Felton, and was buried there Sept. 26. 1684. A true Nathanael, an Israelite indeed, for Plainness and Integrity; a silent Sufferer for his Nonconformity, for which he quitted a good Living in Denbighshire. He was a learned Man, a Master of Arts of Oxford; he died with comfort in his Nonconformity, and with confidence of a return of Mercy in God's due time. The Summer before he died he had been at Oxford, Cambridge, and London, where he heard and saw that which much confirmed him in his Dissent.
Mr. Zechariah Cawdrey, Minister of Bart…mley in Cheshire, a learned and godly Divine, was buried Decemb. 24. 1684. a Conformist, and formerly a great Sufferer for the King, but in his later Times much maligned and reproached by some People for his moderation towards Dissenters, for his Book of Preparation for Martyrdom, and for his Zeal in keeping up the Monthly Lectures at Nantwich and Tarvin. But he is gone to the World of Peace, and Love, and everlasting Prai…es.
Mr. Titus Thomas, Minister of the Independent Congregation in Salop, was buried at Felton, Decemb. 10. 1686. He was a worthy good Man, and not so strait laced as some others; we were six Nonconformist Ministers there at the Funeral and the seventh dead in the midst of us, saying to us, Therefore be ye also ready.
Mr. Iohn Cartwright, my worthy Friend and Brother, a faithful Minister of Jesus Christ, was buried at Audlem in Cheshire, Feb. 17. 1687/8. formerly Minister of West-Kirby in Wirral, afterwards Chaplain to the pious Lady Wilbraham at Woodley.
Mr. Edward Greg of Chester, a worthy Gentleman, and my dear Friend, died Iuly 9. 1689. of a Fever, in the midst of his Days. He was one that feared God above many, of a meek and quiet Spirit, and eminently active and useful in his Generation. The Lord is pulling our Earthen Props from under us, that we might lean upon, and trust in himself alone, and might learn to cease from Man.
Mr. Daniel Benyon of Ash, my dear Friend and Kindsman, died Iune 25. 1690. a very serious pious Gentleman, and an Israelite indeed, a true Lover, and ready Benefactor to all good Men, especially good Ministers. He told me a little before he died, God had made use of me (though most unworthy) as an Instrument of his Conversion; for which I bless his Holy Name. He had a long and lingering Sickness, which he bore with great Patience.
Mrs. Crew of Utkinton in Cheshire, an aged Servant of the Lord, was buried Iuly 8. 1690. She kept her Integrity, and abounded in Works of Piety and Charity to the last, and finished well; to God be Praise.
Mrs. Hunt of Shrewsbury, the Relique of Colonel Hunt, another rare Pattern of zealous Piety, abounding Charity, and eminent Usefulness in her place, finished h… Course October 23. 1690. after two days Sickness.
The Reverend, and Learned, and Holy Mr. Richard Baxter, died at London, December 8. 1691. aged Seventy Six, and one Month; as much vili…ed by some, and magnified by others, as most Men that ever were; but it is a small thing to be judged of Man's Day. He was Buried at Christ Church, London, with great Honour.
Mr. Iohn Wood, my good Friend, died September 19. 1692. at Mitton in Shropshire, aged about Seventy; he was sometime Fellow of Magdalen College in Cambridge, where he was outed for Nonconformity; a learned Man, but wanted the Faculty of Communicating; one that feared God, and walked in his Integrity to the last; had no certain Dwelling place on Earth, but I trust hath one in Heaven. Hic tandem requiescit.
Mr. Richard Steel, my old and dear Friend, and Companion in Tribulation, and in the Kingdom and Patience of Jesus Christ, died at London, November 16. 1692. in the Sixty Fourth Year of his Age; a Man that had been greatly useful in his Generation, both in the Country and at London.
Mr. Thomas Gilbert, died at Oxford, Iuly 15. 1694. formerly Minister of Edgmond in Shropshire, aged 83. a learned good Man.
Luke Lloyd, Esquire, of the Bryn in Hanmer Parish, my aged wor…hy Friend, finished his Course with Joy, March 31. 1695. being Lord's Day. He was in the Eighty Seventh Year of his Age, and had been Married almost Sixty Nine Years to his pious Wife (of the same Age) who still survives him. He was the Glory of our little Congregation, the Top branch in all respects of our small Vine, and my Friend indeed.
[When he made his Will, under the Subscription of his Name he wrote, Iob 19. 25, 26, 27. On which Text of Scripture (I know that my Redeemer liveth, &c.) Mr. Henry, at the Request of some of his Relations, preached a Sermon at the Licensed House near Hanmer, some time after his Funeral; in which Sermon, he bore a very honourable Testimony to that worthy Gentleman, who (as he saith) went to Heaven without a Blot, held fast his Integrity, and was lively and zealous in the Christian Profession to the end of his Days. He was very Exemplary for his Love to the Ordinances of God, and his Delight in attending on them, his living upon Christ for Strength and Righteousness, his great Humility and Condescending obliging Carriage in all his Converse. He was a Man of great Courage and Resolution; and yet in Prayer, Tender and Self-abasing, to admiration, often melting into Tears in the Confession of Sin; and his Charity and Moderation were known unto all Men.
He lived and died a Pattern of Piety, and Primitive Christianity, and still brought forth Fruit in Old Age; his Vigour, both of Body and Mind, being wonderfully preserv'd to the last; and by the Grace of God he finished well, and his Sun set under no Cloud. Such good Men are intended to be to us as the Star that led the wise Men to Christ; and as far as they do so, we are to follow them. Mark the perfect Man, and behold the upright, for the end of that Man is Peace.
Mr. Samuel Taylor, an aged Minister of Jesus Christ, and my true Friend, and fellow Labourer, died at Wem, Iune 26. 1695. He was turned out from Edstaston Chappel near Wem, by the Act of Uniformity; choosing rather to beg his Bread than to wrong his Conscience. He continued in Wem ever since, and preached there as his Strength and Liberty would permit. He had his House burnt in the dreadful Fire that was there in 1676. and had a Child born that very Night. He was a Man of a very tender Spirit, humble and low in his own Eyes, of approved Integrity, and finished well. [Mr. Henry preached his Funeral Sermon at Wem, on 2 Cor. 4. 7. We have this Treasure in Earthe… Vessels].
September 21. 1695. I heard of the Death of Two holy, aged Bartholomew Witnesses. Mr. Richard Mayo of London, and Mr. Henry Newcome of Manchester, Psal. 12. 1.
Mr. Edward Lawrence of London, my dear and worthy Friend, and a faithful Minister and Witness of the Lord Jesus, died November—1695. about the Seventieth Year of his Age; born at Moston in Shropshire, of Magdalen College in Cambridge, turned out from Baschurch in Shropshire, by the Act of Uniformity, in 1662. was driven from Whitchurch by the violent Persecution of the Convenricle Act, in 1670. when he removed to London, and there spent the rest of his Days.
He had many Children, but great Affliction in some of them, which gave occasion to his Book, Entituled, Parents Groans over their wicked Children. [It is a very high but just Character, which Mr. Vincent hath given of him in his Sermon at his Funeral; of which, let me take leave to add some few Instances that occur to us, which may be instructive, besides those which we have already mentioned occasionally. At his Meals, he would often speak of using God's Creatures as his Witnesses that he is good; and we cannot conceive how much good our God doth every moment. An Expression of his great regard to Justice, was that common Caution he gave his Children, Tremble to borrow Two-pence; and of his Meekness and Tenderness this, Make no Man angry nor sad. He often said, I adore the Wisdom of God, that he hath not seen meet to trust me with Riches. When he saw little Children playing in the Streets, he would often lift up his Heart in an ejaculatory Prayer to God for them, calling them the Seed of the next Generation. When his Friend chose to Ride the back-way into Town, he pleasantly check'd him, telling him, that his Heart had been often refreshed, when he hath look'd out at the Window, and seen a good Man go along the Streets. He us'd to say, That Cromwell did more real Prejudice to Religion by his Hypocrisie, than King Charles the Second did, that never pretended to it. As also, that he feared the Sins of the Land more than the French.
A Friend of his in the Country, writing to him not long before he died, desired his Thoughts concerning the Differences among the London Dissenters, to which he return'd this Answer: I can say little concerning our Divisions, which, when some mens Iudgments and Tempers are heal'd, will be also healed. But, When will that be? They that have most Holiness are most Peaceable, and have most Comfort.
M. S.
PHILIPPUS HENRY, de Broad-Oak, in Comitatu Flint, A. M.
Sacri Minister Evangelii; Pastor olim Worthenburiensis;
In Aulâ Regiâ natus piis & honestis Parentibus;
Scholae Westmonasteriensis, indé que Aedis Christi Oxon.
Alumnus Regius:
Vir priscâ Pietate & verè Christianâ,
Judicio subacto & limato,
Memoriâ prastanti, magno & soecundo Ingenio,
Eruditione perpolitâ, summo AnimiCandore, Morum Venustate
Inprimis Spectabilis, & in Exemplum natus:
Cui Sacra semper sua Fides aliorumque Fama:
Divini Numinis Cultor assiduus;
Divini Verbi Interpres exquisitissimus;
Aliorum Affectûs movere non minùs pollens,
Quam suis moderari:
Concionando pariter ac Vivendo palàm exhibens
Christi Legem & Exemplar Christum:
Prudens peritusque rerum; Lenis, Pacificus, Hospitalis,
Ad Pietatis omnia Charitatisque ossicia usque paratus;
Suis Jucundus; Omnibus Humanus;
Continuis Evangelii Laboribus succumbens Corpus,
Nec tantae jam par ampliùs Animae,
In Dormitorium hîc juxtà positum demisit,
Jun. 24o. Anno Dom. M DC XCVI, Aetatis LXV.
Viro opt. multùmque desiderato moerens posuit Gener ejus J. T. M. D.
FINIS.